Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saddened by decision to get rid of Rafa Benitez

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina admits he was stunned by the news of Rafa Benitez's departure from the Merseyside club.

Benitez left Anfield by mutual consent after six years in charge following a difficult season in which the Reds finished seventh in the Barclays Premier League.

Reina spent the past five years with Benitez at Liverpool and feels it is a sad day for the club.

Upset: Reina has been left feeling flat following Benitez's departure from Anfield

'It's a sad moment for Liverpool, for Rafa Benitez and for the players who have been with him,' the Spain goalkeeper said following his country's 1-0 victory over South Korea in a World Cup warm-up game in Innsbruck.

'He was a very important person for the club for six years. Liverpool grew with him and Rafa also grew thanks to Liverpool.

'I hope that this crisis passes. That a person so important for the club as Rafa Benitez has left is news that you never would have expected and that you never would have believed.

'The only thing left for me is to thank him for his confidence during all this time. I wish him the best of luck.'

Reina insists he has no intention of following Benitez, adding: 'This changes nothing. I still have a six-year contract with Liverpool.'